40 Truths for 40 Years: Lessons That Shaped My Journey

Jan 06, 2025

It’s wild to think I’ve been on this planet for four decades. When I look back on my life so far, I see a path filled with learning, laughter, struggle, and celebrations. Every moment has taught me something about who I am and what I value. Even the messy ones—maybe especially the messy ones.

I’ve been reflecting a lot on what I’ve learned. I’m getting to a place where I can actually recognize the experiences as lessons and do my best to apply them to the decade in front of me.

I’ve found 40 truths that have become part of my foundation—truths I wish I’d known sooner, but I’m grateful to carry forward now. These aren’t just random tidbits; they’re the backbone of how I show up in the world.

I’m hoping you’ll find something here that resonates. Whether you relate to many of them or just one, I’m honored you’re taking the time to read and reflect along with me.

Trust Yourself

Life has a funny way of testing and refining us. I’ve learned the importance of listening to my gut, caring for my health, and believing I’m capable of more than I realize.

When I decided to launch Briogeo almost 12 years ago, I was 28 and completely naïve about what I was getting into. I was obsessed with my vision and never really doubted that I’d pull it off.

I didn’t think about building a team; I’d never managed anyone before. I didn’t think about scaling a retail business; I’d never even worked in beauty. And I didn’t know how I’d fund my business after my savings were depleted; I’d never fundraised before.

Still, you don’t need to be great or experienced to accomplish something spectacular—something bigger than yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of your head and get going. A little naïveté can go a long way, especially when the “odds” seem against you.

Focus on your vision; you’ll figure the rest out as you go.

And always take care of your body and health. That’s how you show up for yourself and build the resilience to face inevitable ups, downs, and curveballs. I believe those challenges exist to help you learn and grow—a way for the universe to check if you still want it.

Focus on your vision, and trust yourself.

Resilience pays off in ways you can’t always see right away. Hard times are temporary, and they’ll make you stronger.
Your instincts often know the truth before your mind catches up. Trust them.
Good health is the most valuable form of wealth. Without it, nothing else matters.
Sometimes all you need is sleep and a new day to ease the anxiety that felt overwhelming yesterday.
What you put into your body shapes how you feel, and how you feel impacts how you show up in the world. Nourish yourself.
Affirmations in the mirror can help rewire self-limiting beliefs. Your words have power.
Moving your body is one of the best ways to clear your mind and reset your energy.
Betting on yourself is always the best investment you’ll ever make.
Even if you don’t get what you want, how you handle it—with integrity and grace—defines who you are.
Sometimes the universe will test you to see if you’re really ready for what you’ve been asking for. Those moments are part of the preparation.
The good you put into the world always finds its way back to you, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
Whatever you give your energy to will grow, so choose wisely.
Gratitude is the ultimate mindset reset button.
This, too, shall pass.

Find Your People … Without Losing Yourself

We’re shaped by our relationships: the people who love us, challenge us, and push us to grow, sometimes in uncomfortable ways. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to protect my peace while staying open to genuine connection.

I’ve evolved a lot since my 20s. My finance career was a tough environment to work in, and I was still figuring out who I was—and who my people were.

When I became a full-time entrepreneur at 28, I was suddenly a one-woman show. I felt lonely and disconnected. Eventually, I started meeting other beauty founders at events, and some of them are now close friends. I also joined YPO to meet people running companies who truly understood what I was going through. That’s become a huge part of my support system.

In 2021, I made the pandemic move to Miami and found relationships with people who are absolutely my tribe—they feel like family. It’s definitely easier now than it was in my 20s, probably because I have a stronger sense of who I am and who my people are.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about the kinds of relationships that make me feel safe, seen, and comfortable. Some people were “my people” for a season, but differences in values or life paths eventually made it clear those relationships weren’t a fit anymore.

Experiences with employees, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners have probably been my biggest teachers to date. As you tune in to your values and what truly matters, you’ll learn to find your people without losing yourself.

Being around people who make you feel small says more about their insecurities than your worth—choose your circle with that in mind.
Some friendships are seasonal. Outgrowing someone doesn’t mean they did anything wrong, and it’s okay to let go.
The best moments often live in your heart, not on social media—some memories are just for you.
A few solid friendships will always mean more than a dozen surface-level ones.
Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace.
You will never regret being kind.
It’s okay to walk away from relationships that no longer feel right, even if nothing dramatic happened.
Give more than you take. Generosity always comes back to you in unexpected ways.
Not everyone needs to be confronted. Sometimes, protecting your peace and saying less is the best choice.
Comparison steals joy faster than anything. Focus on your own journey.
Don’t take time with your loved ones for granted. Always tell them you love them. Life is unpredictable.
Not all bosses are role models, and that’s okay. Learn from their missteps and lead in a way that reflects your values.
Not everyone will appreciate your kindness, but that’s on them. Keep being the person you’re proud to be.
Many people are fighting a battle you can’t see—no matter how perfect their life seems.

Business, Leadership, and Success

Over the years, I’ve learned that success doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. It’s about setting your own meaningful goals, celebrating progress, and leading with purpose.

When I started my company, I really knew nothing. I had to figure out how to be an effective leader, become hyper-aware of how I was showing up, and lean into feedback that sometimes hurt.

I also had to learn how to watch the competition without letting it derail me. I needed to be aware of what was going on around me, but if I got too caught up in it, I’d lose sight of my own vision. Comparing myself to others’ perceived successes only dampened my energy.

Ultimately, I realized I’ll never fully “master” my career. Success changes over time—not just for everyone else but for me as well. I see running a business, leadership, and defining success as lifelong evolutions that constantly teach you about yourself. For me, success is about embracing that idea and rolling with it.

Money is just a tool to build the life you want—it’s not the goal itself.
Before signing a contract or making a deal, spend time with the person face-to-face. You’ll learn far more about their character and whether they’re the right fit than you ever could over the phone or Zoom.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.
Success looks different for everyone.
Don’t hire someone just on skills and experience—look for values, vision, and culture fit.
Overworking yourself doesn’t guarantee success—it can actually pull you away from what matters most.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness! It’s how you open up new opportunities and sometimes even create stronger bonds.
What you want out of life will evolve over time. That’s a natural part of growth.
Don’t wait until you’ve reached your big goal to celebrate—honor the small milestones along the way.
Optimism outshines pessimism—your mindset creates possibility and progress.
Your story has the power to inspire someone—don’t be afraid to share it.
You don’t need to be an expert in everything. Hire people smarter than you and let them shine.

These 40 lessons are deeply personal to me, but I believe they hold universal truths that anyone can apply to their own life. I hope they encourage you to reflect on your own journey. I’d love to know what resonated with you, and whether there are lessons you’re still learning to accept. I know I’m working on some. I’m excited to do this again when I’m 50 and see what I’ve learned in 10 years.

Mindful Discovery with Nancy Twine

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